Performance car fans have been waiting to see it for months and finally the first images of the Subaru BRZ Concept have been released before its world premiere at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16.

In STI-badged concept form these images show a concept vehicle which has much of the styling predicted for the upcoming BRZ coupe. Both the BRZ and its development brother the Toyota FT-86 will be shown in production form at the Tokyo Motor Show next month.

Subaru isn’t saying much about specifications but has stated that the BRZ will have a very low centre of gravity and be a “pure handling delight.” The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre flat-four engine is expected to produce over 150kW and be linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox, and possibly, a 6-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Continue reading “Subaru reveals BRZ STI Concept Coupe” »

The joint development of a lightweight sports coupe between Subaru and Toyota has provided much rumour and speculation. While Toyota has shown its hand at every opportunity with its FT-86 concepts, much little is known about Subaru’s mysterious BRZ. But with both cars set for world premiers at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show, interest has reached fever pitch.

Up until now, Toyota has tantalized us with three versions of its RWD coupe, while Subaru has revealing only a transparent concept in Geneva and Frankfurt with very little details.

When it was first revealed that Toyota and Subaru would collaborate in developing a low-cost, RWD sports coupe, fans of both brands were suitably excited. Since then it’s been all about the Toyota FT-86 with Subaru keeping much more quiet about the development of its version. Toyota has already unveiled several preview concepts of the FT-86 and all Subaru has given loyal fans is some images of the vehicles frame. But now that’s set to change.

The Frankfurt Motor Show is on in a couple of weeks and will be the scene for Subaru to reveal a ‘technology concept’ of its take on the sports coupe. While announcing its plans, Subaru announced the name of its new creation – BRZ.

What does it mean? BRZ stands for Boxer Rear-drive Zenith and will be used firstly on the concept called the BRZ Prologue. While it’s unknown exactly what a technology concept really is, expect at least some of the questions surrounding the BRZ to be answered at the Frankfurt show.